Unit 1- Constitutional Underpinnings Flashcards
(33 cards)
Bicameral Legislature
two-house legislature.
Block Grant
money granted by the federal government to the states for a broad purpose ( e.g., transportation) rather than for a narrow purpose (e.g., school lunch program)
Categorical Grant
money granted by the federal government to the states for a narrow purpose ( e.g., school lunch program) rather than for a broad purpose (e.g., transportation)
Centralists
those who favor greater national authority rather than state authority.
Checks and Balances
system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches
Commerce Clause
gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and among Indian tribes. Granted through Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution
Concurrent Powers
those held by both Congress and the states
Confederation
system in which sovereign states are only loosely tied to a central government
Decentralists
Those who favor greater state authority rather than national authority
Direct Democracy
system in which the people rule themselves.
Elastic Clause
states that Congress can exercise those powers that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out the enumerated powers
Enumerated Powers
those that are specifically granted to Congress in Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution. Also known as expressed powers.
Federalism
constitutional sharing of power between a central government and state governments.
(Different varieties)
Dual Federalism
system in which the national government and state governments are coequal, with each being dominant within its respective sphere
Cooperative Federalism
system in which both federal government and state governments cooperate in solving problems
New Federalism
system in which the national government restores greater authority back to the states
Federalist Papers
group of 85 essays written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay for the purpose of persuading the people of New York to adopt the Constitution
Formal Amendment
a change in the actual wording of the Constitution. Proposed by Congress or national convention, and ratified by the states.
Implied Powers
those that are “necessary and proper” to carry out Congress’ enumerated powers, and are granted to Congress through the elastic clause.
Indirect democracy
system in which the people are rule by their representatives. Also known as representative democracy, or republic.
Inherent Powers
foreign policy powers (e.g., acquiring territory) held by the national government by virtue of its being a national government.
Informal amendment
a change in the meaning, but not the wording, of the Constitution, e.g., through a court decisions
Judicial Review
power of the courts to rule on the constitutionality of laws and government actions. Established by Marbury v. Madison, 1803.
Mandates
requirements imposed by the national government upon the states. Some are unfunded mandates, i.e., they are imposed by the national government, but lack funding.
